Bigelow Hollow State Park
Coordinates: 41°59′56″N 72°07′55″W / 41.999°N 72.132°W
Bigelow Hollow State Park, in Union, Connecticut is a Connecticut state park surrounded by Nipmuck State Forest, and bordering Mashapaug Lake. There are picnic benches, beaches, and a boat launch, plus miles of hiking trails. This picture of Bigelow Pond is the first body of water you would see on the left of the park entrance. Most visitors spend their time at 300-acre (1.2 km2) Mashapaug Lake near the end of the main road.
The park's 600 acres (2.4 km2) is surrounded by some 40,000 acres (160 km2) of forest. This includes 9,000 acres (36 km2) in the Nipmuck State Forest, nearly 8,000 acres (32 km2) in the Yale Forest, 13,000 acres (53 km2) in the Natchaug State Forest, 4,000 acres (16 km2) of the Norcross Wildlife Refuge and the 7,000 acres (28 km2) of forest held by Hull Foresters. This makes it one of largest forests in Southern New England and some of the largest unbroken tracts of forest as well[1].
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[edit] Recreation opportunities
The park and forest is located in a large hollow or depression. The valley floor is approximately 700' below the surrounding ridgelines making the area exceptionally scenic. The park features over 30 miles (48 km) of trails, including several that go around Breakneck Pond, a secluded lake only accessible by foot. Fishing, picnicking and hiking are all popular here.
Fishing is popular both in summer and winter (ice fishing). The streams, ponds and lakes feature stocked as well as native trout, small and large mouth bass and pickeral.
Hiking is also popular. Be sure to have a trail map and potentially a compass to find your way if you get lost. The park is mostly evergreen at lower elevations and the forest density can be so thick that you can lose the trail. The scenic beauty of the park and forest is well worth exploring.
Camping is allowed in the back country of the Nipmuck State Forest but not in the park.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Photograph of Bigelow Hollow nature scene.
- Trip report.
- CT Bigelow Hollow State Park Web Site
- Many pictures of Bigelow Pond taken over several years.
- Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
[edit] References
- ^ "CT DEP site on Bigelow State Park/Nipmuck State Forest". CT DEP. http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325174. Retrieved 2009-06-17.
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